I’m annoyed with hackers and cyber thieves

When I decided in high school that I wanted to pursue a career in technology I didn’t think about technology security. While I earned a degree in Computer Science I don’t remember any classes on cyber security. Now, 20 years, security issues are taking over the technology profession. Help!

Now of course I know security it important. In fact, you would label me as one of the security proponents at work. I am pushing colleagues to take more security precautions than what they are used to doing. I am the guying supporting the cause of compliance so that we can continue to compete for business. In today’s world if companies don’t keep up with security measures then they will begin to lose opportunities for business. It’s not an option.

But I don’t enjoy this. I was attracted to technology for problem solving, solutions, and automation.. I like to create things and solve puzzles. Filling out audit questions on security documents and creating new security processes doesn’t fit that mold. Help!

Such a waste of talent

These criminals are smart. They are talented. It leaves me asking why people so smart can’t use their talents for good. Instead they put their energies into creating software and devices that steal and make life miserable for others. If money is the motive, then don’t you think someone so smart could earn more money by creating legitimate and legal programs? And just think about the reduced risk of getting caught and going to jail.

The ripple effect

So what’s left in the wake of all the hacking, stealing, and destruction of property from viruses and cyber theft? An entire industry has been born which I guess is good for those that it employs. But now the average technology manager spends several hours each and every week implementing new security measures, answering security questionnaires, answering security controls for standards, and mitigating risks. Whew, it feels good to check a control on an audit. This of course doesn’t completely lock hackers out. It just forces them to find new methods for breaking into systems.

But the problem is the ripples are getting bigger. The time commitment for security compliance is growing. It’s taking away from using technology to help solve business objectives. That’s not fun for me, but I guess that’s what the criminals want. I’m annoyed.